Toby is starting to misbehave....what now? Toby is 9 months and had an op earlier this month to remove his femoral head. He has been very spoiled and I have been walking on egg shells around him. Problem is, now he thinks he is boss. When I try to cut his nails, or take his coat off him, he snaps at me. Not at all vicious, more like a frustrated warning, but no doubt something that could progress in time. Do I continue doing what I am trying to do, eg cutting his nails, and let him bite me, or do I put him out and ignore him for a while? |
Just to add, there were no problems before the op, I was strict with him and he knew his place, I have just felt so bad since the op, he has gotten away with more than what he should |
What did you decide/try? My Simon broke his leg when he was 1 year old. Now it is hellish to cut his nails and trim his paw fur. And it has only gotten worse with time - he is now 5 years old. Last time he actually held his breath! The groomer now charges me extra to do him. He lets me touch his paws, just doesn't let me or anybody else groom his paws. |
I think you answered the question yourself -- you've been letting him get away with a lot since his operation! I think you probably just need to take control of him a little bit more like you used to. :) As hard as it's gonna be, don't baby him because he feels bad. It will only make the situation worse. I think maybe when he's biting you while you're doing his nails, just don't back down. He knows he can use his teeth against you now. I wish I had more advice for you but good luck :thumbup: |
:thumbup::thumbup: Agree with Britster. You already have the answer. If necessary, get a soft muzzle to protect yourself from bites when working on nails. It's time for you to get strict again & help him relearn proper behavior. It's time for you to let go of the unfortunate surgery. It may take time & patience, but since the surgery, he's been allowed to have everything his way, giving him a whole lot of power over the family. Good luck! |
Yep ... the answer is don't take any guff from your pup If he goes to snap at you you can't back down or a line in the sand will be drawn and most of the time growling and snapping is bluffing anyway When my Zach wants to play with his squeaky he'll bring it over and growl and bark To the untrained eye you'd think he was some vicious dog :eek: But you can put your fingers right into his mouth and he'll just love it :p |
I totally agree with Brister. You need to show him who is the alpha. You can gently take his paws in your hands and massage them and so forth to get him used to the feeling. Once he's relaxed, you can try and do the nails. Do at least 1 or 2 before "giving up" This way you will have asserted yourself but not to the point of stressing him out. If he should try to nip at you, correct that immediately with either a "ouch" or stern "no". He will learn once again that you are alpha. Good luck. :) |
It's ALPHA time....he knows he is the current boss and he's working it out. Time for a little power shake up! |
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